A Holiday Homebuyer’s Guide: Santa Shares Real Estate Tips on The Lofty Lender
The holiday season just got a little brighter as The Lofty Lender Podcast welcomed a very special guest: the one and only Santa Claus! 🎅 In this festive and fun-filled episode, host Kyle Guldenpfennig, aka #TallMoneyMan, sat down with Santa to talk about everything from his favorite cookies to insider tips for navigating the Des Moines housing market. If you’re buying or selling a home this holiday season, you won’t want to miss the wisdom Santa dropped straight from the North Pole.
Why Des Moines is a Special Place (Even for Santa)
Santa has delivered gifts to homes around the world for centuries, and when it comes to real estate, he knows a thing or two. So, what makes Des Moines unique? Santa praised the city for its charm, convenience, and welcoming neighborhoods.
“Des Moines truly is a surprising place,” Santa said. “It has everything you need—concerts, activities, and even an airport close by to get you anywhere quickly.”
For those looking to settle in the Des Moines area, Santa reminded listeners that every neighborhood is what you make of it. Whether you’re in Waukee, West Des Moines, or downtown, being a good neighbor is the key to making any community feel like home.
Santa’s Tips for Home Buying During the Holidays
The holidays might seem like an unusual time to buy a home, but Santa reassured listeners that it’s a great opportunity:
Take a Deep Breath: Santa reminded buyers that sellers want to sell, and buyers want to buy. It’s all about finding the right balance and making a deal that works for both sides.
Winter-Ready Homes: Santa’s unique eye for chimneys and rooftops revealed a practical tip for winter homebuyers:
“Personally, I like a southern-exposure driveway. It helps with the snow!”
Be Patient: Buying a home—especially your first one—can take time. Santa emphasized prioritizing must-haves and working with a trusted real estate agent and lender to guide you through the process.
Advice for First-Time Homebuyers
As someone who works year-round to bring families joy, Santa had great advice for first-time buyers:
Start with Your Lender: Before looking at homes, buyers should work with a lender to understand their budget and loan options.
Don’t Stress Over Jargon: Terms like PMI and escrow might sound intimidating, but your lender and realtor are there to guide you.
Think Long Term: Your first home is just the start of your homeownership journey. Enjoy this step as part of a bigger, exciting process!
Organizing Your Home During the Holidays
Santa knows a thing or two about logistics (managing a global gift operation is no small feat). For homeowners during the holidays, he shared these tips:
Have a plan for decorating, especially if your home is on the market.
Keep it tidy if you’re showing your home—buyers want to see the space, not just the decorations.
And for pet owners? “Keep the cats away from the tree!”
The Des Moines Real Estate Market: Santa’s Outlook
Contrary to popular belief, the real estate market doesn’t slow down during the holidays. Santa encouraged buyers and sellers to embrace this time of year:
“Life happens—people get married, have babies, and move. The holidays are a great time to welcome people into an open house with a cheerful, ‘Ho, ho, Merry Christmas!’”
Santa also highlighted the growing interest in Des Moines, sharing the story of a young couple moving to the area after researching its affordability and community appeal.
Final Thoughts from Santa
Santa wrapped up the episode with a powerful reminder for us all:
“If we want peace on earth and goodwill toward all, it starts with us.”
He encouraged listeners to enjoy the holidays, be kind to one another, and take joy in creating their perfect home—whether in Des Moines, the North Pole, or beyond.
Listen to the Full Conversation
For more magical insights from Santa and tips on buying a home during the holidays, listen to the full episode of The Lofty Lender Podcast. Search for The Lofty Lender with #TallMoneyMan wherever fine podcasts are downloaded, and don’t forget to subscribe!
From our team to yours, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and happy house hunting! 🎄
